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Post by crookiz on Jul 26, 2008 23:56:13 GMT -5
Hello to everyone, I am glad to have found this place and have learned much already. I am a new CDL holder and I have accepted a position as a mixer driver. I don't know much about the business so I would like to know what i should expect. What should I make sure I learn during my training period, what questions should I ask to make sure I am prepared for this job? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by BillyCement on Jul 27, 2008 6:57:25 GMT -5
Look around the forum here Crook. There's plenty of advice that's been given to other first timers. One question you should ask the customer is "How do you want it mixed?". Never assume that you know how they want it. I've been going to some customers for a long time and I still ask them how they want it. Sometimes it reminds them that they wanted it kept stiff when they usually pour it wet. Good luck.
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Post by Mort on Jul 27, 2008 10:20:00 GMT -5
As a newcomer to driving, as well as mixer driving, I would concentrate most these first few weeks on skills that keep the truck upright. These trucks have a high center of gravity, the load is liquid, and its moving. And some contractors want you to put these trucks where they shouldn't be going.
You'll eventually get a feel for how the concrete will look, sound, etc. for the different specs. At first, keep it dry. Its easy to add water, but it sucks to take it out.
That will come in time, but it only takes one time to have an accident. Take it slow, walk the jobsite if you aren't sure, and ask questions. The senior drivers at your company are an invaluable resource of free knowledge. I'm new myself, only at the job 20 months or so, and I'm constantly picking senior drivers' brains. All of them have been more than happy to share what they know, because they see that I'm not a "supertrucker" that you can't teach anything.
And read every thread on this board. It'll take a couple hours, yes, but there's a ton of great stuff here.
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Post by Mixer Driver 69 on Jul 27, 2008 18:46:29 GMT -5
A few hours? It took me a few weeks to get through the threads in here. There is A LOT of good advise here, Crookiz. Always take it slow. Don't let anyone rush you. Like Mort says, walk the job site. Have a look around. ALWAYS be aware of what's going on around you. Know where you're going. Turning these trucks around if you miss a turn isn't always easy. You have to find side streets to go down, back into another street, then go back the way you came. This is a totally different kind of driving. Watch out for railroad tracks or bumps in the road. A whoop-de-doo that a car might take with no problem can make your truck bounce badly, and when you're bouncing, your tires are not on the road. Be careful! Don't worry so much about mixes right now. While you're in training, learn the truck! Get to know how it handles on and off the road. If you roll, it won't matter how perfect your mix is.  I'm a rookie myself. Everyone here at mixerdriver.com will help you, and ask the senior drivers at your plant. They are always happy to give you advise. When you come home at night, read these boards. It'll help you tremendously. Welcome to the boards.  And make sure to thank Matt for what we have here. ;D |
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Post by BillyCement on Jul 27, 2008 19:18:42 GMT -5
MD69.....couldn't have said it better myself.
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Post by concretejoe on Jul 27, 2008 21:30:07 GMT -5
Something everyone else is not mentioning, but it's definitely in another thread somewhere, is to save money. I recommend putting at least 10% of your check away during the "busy" months. You'll be able to ride out, and actually enjoy, the slow times a lot easier. I know it's hard to do starting out, but trust me it is worth the hassel.
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Post by Crazy Mudder Trucker on Jul 28, 2008 23:12:13 GMT -5
everyone has hit the nail on the head with info. One thing for sure is PATIENCE. Keep your cool, because there will always be contractors,pumpers,chutemen that will piss you off. dont let it get to you be patient.
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Post by lafargeslave on Aug 26, 2008 19:09:37 GMT -5
rollover is your main concern. all companies can tell u that a lot of rollovers occur with drivers in the first 90 days. some companies will not even hire a new school graduate for a mixer truck. plenty of million mile OTR drivers have had the poop scared out of them driving mixers. you have to face the fact that these trucks normally run overloaded, so the brakes wont save you. down shift down shift down shift. on the jobsite manuvering can get u too. holes, soft spots, plenty o stuff to run over. good luck but even the seasoned drivers mess up from time to time.
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And make sure to thank Matt for what we have here. ;D